Hannah finished a year as a paralegal and, against the usual odds, walked away from her first recruitment season with two training-contract offers. Friends had warned, “You won’t get an offer first time, prepare for rejection,” yet here she was choosing rather than hoping. She picked Steele Raymond because, in her words, “the treatment here was amazing – everyone was patient and welcoming from the start.” A single assessment day overturned any preconceptions, thrilled with the growth and momentum she immediately felt.
Walking into reception, Hannah felt the buzz of a place that values people as much as grades. “Everyone was so happy you were there,” she recalls. That warmth has proved real: partners remember trainees’ names, ask about life outside work and share honest feedback.
As a trainee, Hannah rotates through a number of seats and in the Family Team was soon attending court with clients and counsel – as the sole firm representative. She prepares bundles, helps draft statements and debriefs clients after hearings. In quieter spells she learns how each team stores documents, meets compliance and manages workflow. The variety keeps skills sharp and stops her getting too comfortable.
Six seats over three years mean Hannah “tries before she buys” and builds relationships firm-wide. She hit her stride around the three-month mark of her first seat, when the nerves eased and substantive work grew. The firm openly talks about retaining its trainees, and Hannah already sees a long-term future here: “I want to build my place and connections inside the firm rather than pack my bags after qualification.”
Before any hearing a senior lawyer walks Hannah through etiquette, facts and client concerns. Afterward they review what went well and set next steps together. If a task feels unclear she can walk straight to a partner’s desk for guidance. “You can turn to any colleague without feeling you should struggle on alone,” she says. That culture removes the fear of mistakes and turns every assignment into a lesson.
Look beyond glossy promises and watch how a firm treats people during the decision window. If the communication is clear, the welcome genuine and the ambition real, you will feel it. Hannah’s verdict: culture is not a buzzword at Steele Raymond – it is the day-to-day experience that lets trainees thrive.
